Understanding the advantages and disadvantages will help you choose the right vessel for yourself

We often write about the many different factors involved in choosing a boat – which size is right for you, what are the budgetary expectations, what yachts are particularly suited for certain activities, and more. However, the starting line of a boat purchase is choosing between a sailboat and a motorboat. Both have their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break it down here.

Sailboat vs motorboat

Simply put, a sailboat is powered primarily by the wind. It’s also very common today for them to have a small engine to provide additional secondary propulsion for docking purposes. A sailboat is the choice if the boater wants to explore the world with their own hands and skills, and to connect to the elements in a way that motorboats just can’t.

Sometimes also called a powerboat, a motorboat is a boat that uses an engine or a motor as its primary mode of propulsion. It is the easier option, from a certain point of view, as boaters can just hop on and head off whenever they feel like it.

Sailboat advantages

Good for the environment. The most obvious advantage is that sailboats create no emissions, and require no fuel, making them a very responsible way to explore the oceans. As mentioned above, most sailboats have a small engine that is used mostly for docking, but proud sailors will dock without it, relying only on their ability.

Go further. A sailboat will never run out of fuel, so boaters can travel further and longer before needing to call at a port for supplies.

Cheaper engines. As a sailboat uses a significantly smaller engine so the unit will cost less to buy, use less fuel to run, and is cheaper to maintain and repair.

Better for socialising. Without a noisy engine running, communicating becomes easier. What’s more, captains get to socialise as well, as they helm the vessel from the stern and can be included in the conversation easily.

Accomplishment. A sailboat requires the captain to dot every i and cross every t. The boater bends the elements to their will, using their resolve, knowledge and skill to bring the boat where they want to go. The limit of the adventure is simply their imagination. And once they return to land, they return tired, yes, but they return accomplished.

Serenity. If one does not wish to socialise, they can always just enjoy the feeling of the wind and the sound of the waves. There is no drone of an internal combustion motor to break the serenity of the journey.

Sailboat disadvantages

Less space. Masts and sails and rigging and pulleys – there’s a lot going on on the deck of a sailboat, and this means that a lot of deck is taken up already by these. Additionally, the hulls of sailboats are narrower, which in turn makes for less space below as well.

Wind. The best part of a sailboat is also its weakness. Both too much and too little wind means you may have to cancel your plans for the weekend. Perhaps the best way to deal with this is to embrace the unpredictability.

Less shelter. Loving the elements is a part of sailing, but sometimes there is too much of it, as there is little to no shade on the deck of a sailboat. This is because any shelter must be designed around the masts and sails, and that is often impossible.

Costly gear. Even though there are significant savings in the engine department, money will still be spent to maintain or replace sails and rigging. However, they do have long lives. Sails typically need replacing around 3500 hours, and rigging around ten years.

Expensive in time and energy. Time is used to build up the skills and knowledge, to familiarize the sailor with character of their vessel, and to get to know the seas around them. Additionally, sailing is a hands-on hobby. The sails and steering require constant adjustment, and the sailor must concentrate on the seas and weather around them. However, there are autopilot systems today that can really help the captain in this department.

Motorboat advantages

Speed. A motorboat is almost always going to be faster than a sailboat. The average top speed of most sailboats is around 10 knots, but their motorised counterparts can go as fast as their engines allow. Even at a comfortable throttle, most motor boats will not have trouble hitting 15 knots.

Spaciousness. Motorboats have less tools and parts on the main deck, and thus have larger and more comfortable living spaces up here. They also have more features below, like extra cabins and heads, as a motorboat can carry more weight and still move effectively.

Less planning. As long as the engine has fuel and the boat is in good condition, you can head out to see. Wind is capricious, and sailors need to know the weather as well as the direction and speed of the wind, heading out only if conditions are favourable.

Simplicity. Motorboats require less training and experience to pilot as compared to sailboats. The majority of the knowledge needed is to understand the rules of the water.

Smaller package. Seems counterintuitive, but a motorboat is almost always shorter and shallower than a similarly-sized sailboat. The main mast of a sailboat must be taken into account when going under bridges, and they also sit deeper in the water due to the design of their hulls.

Motorboat disadvantages

Fuel. No fuel means the boat will go nowhere, and the motorboat can only go as far as her fuel tank allows. This can be mitigated somewhat by storing (safely, of course) extra fuel onboard. What’s more, fuel costs must also be taken into account when budgeting for a boat.

Engines. Engines are expensive, so take care of them well! Regular maintenance is needed, and the cost of the upkeep and repair should also factored in when purchasing a boat.

Noise. Larger yachts have the extra room on board to isolate boaters from the sound of a powerful engine, but on smaller boats the noise can be pretty loud. When undergoing sea trials, run the engine across the rev range and check the noise levels.

Sailboat vs motorboat – let’s conclude

The choice between the boats is actually a choice between lifestyles. Boaters who enjoy water sports, fishing, and speed is better suited to motorboats, while a sailboat is a more challenging and proactive experience. Pen Marine has an excellent selection of both, so get in touch with us to know more and get a few suggestions for your new life out on the water.